Choosing the right high school

About Me

My daughter is really smart, and we have a few options on where we can send her for high school. We want to find somewhere that is a good fit for her socially and emotionally as well as academically as high school can be such a challenging time. This blog has some of the tips that we have picked up from our search for the perfect high school and some of the conversations we've had with teachers and other parents. It's an important choice, and we want to get it right. This blog is for the parents of kids about to go into high school.

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Getting your child to be admitted to a particular private school can be a frustrating and exhausting process. The child may pass all the test scores, get recommendations, and sail through the interview smoothly, only to have the application rejected. Why is this? A private school does not have to accept your child, and they do not have to give you the reasons for the rejection either. As a parent, you may not be able to influence the system. However, there are some steps that you can take to increase the chances of your child getting accepted to the private school of your choice.

Prepare a list of potential schools

Private schools differ among themselves regarding their curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Unlike government schools, they aren't subjected to following a particular curriculum or teaching technique. Make a list of the potential private schools by determining the type of curriculum you want your child to learn. For example, if there are specific hands-on skills or courses that you want them to learn, you can narrow down the list to private schools that offer these courses and training. Doing so will make your search easier since there are numerous private schools in the state.

Start the search early

Starting the search process on time can increase the chances of choosing a good school and getting your child admitted. For example, if you want your child to start attending the private school in sixth grade, start the search towards the second semester of fourth grade. You will have enough time to identify the potential schools and still get a chance to prepare for the application and testing processes.

Visit the schools

Paying a visit to every possible private school is critical in this process. Don't rely on the videos and brochures that are sent to you or that are on the school's website. Visiting the school in person gives you a chance to experience the environment and determine whether it's fit for your child. Assess the classrooms, playgrounds, library, laboratories, and other resources that are essential for proper learning and play. You can then narrow down the list to one or two schools that are suitable for your child.

Fix any academic deficiencies

Fixing the academic weaknesses of your child before the application process can increase their chances of admission. For example, if you know that your child is not good in math, hire a tutor in advance to train them in this area. Polishing up on the grades can give you an added advantage when submitting your application.

Once you have done all these preparations, you can schedule the testing, prepare the academic transcripts, and recommendations from the previous school. Also, prepare the necessary finances to avoid getting stranded once your child gets accepted into the school.